Page 30 of Rescuing Mia

“Mia,” I repeat, savoring the sound of it on my tongue. “A beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”

She rolls her eyes, but I catch the faintest blush coloring her cheeks. “Does that line usually work for you?”

“Honestly? I’ve never tried it before.” I flash her my most charming grin, the one that’s gotten me out of trouble more times than I can count.

“Never?” She cocks her head, almost as if challenging the truth of my words.

“Maybe once or twice.” I chuckle, holding my hands up in mock surrender. “You got me, but for a woman as intriguing as you, I had to give my best pickup line a shot.”

“Intriguing, huh?” She tilts her head, studying me with those dark, inscrutable eyes. “You don’t even know me.”

“Not yet,” I agree, my gaze locking with hers. “But I’d like to. Something about you tells me you’re not like anyone else on this ship.”

She laughs then, a sound as bright and unexpected as sunshine breaking through the rain. “You’re quite the smooth talker, aren’t you… Rigel?”

“Only when I’m sufficiently motivated.” I grin, thrilled to have broken through her reserve, even if only for a moment. “And you, Mia, are more than enough motivation.”

“Well, points for originality, I suppose.” She rolls her eyes, though a hint of a smile tugs at the corners of her mouth. “But I’m afraid I’m not in the mood for company.”

It’s a dismissal, but I’m not so easily deterred.

“I couldn’t pass up the chance to talk to you, and I bet I can change your mind.”

She studies me for a long moment, her dark eyes searching mine. The gears turn visibly behind them, each blink revealinglayers of calculations and questions. After a tense pause, she exhales deeply, the tightness in her shoulders softening.

“You’re persistent. I’ll give you that.” A hint of amusement threads through her voice, but a softness exists now, a playfulness that wasn’t there before.

“I prefer to think of it as determined.” I inch a bit closer, drawn by the warmth of her presence. “When I see something I want, I go after it.”

“And what exactly is it that you want?” Her question is direct, her gaze unwavering.

“Right now? Just the chance to get to know you better.” I keep my tone light, but my words contain an undercurrent of sincerity. “Three weeks is a long time to be on a boat together. It would be a shame not to take advantage of that, don’t you think?”

“Wow, you really don’t hold back, do you?” Her eyebrows shoot up. “We just met—barely met—and you’re already telling me you go after what you want, and it’s me? That’s pretty cocky.”

“Life’s too short for subtlety. Besides, with a stunning woman like you, I’d be a fool not to try my luck.” I shrug, my eyes twinkling with mischief. “Not to mention, we’re on a boat. It’s natural to get to know other people.”

“Maybe I’m not looking to meet anyone? Maybe I want a bit of peace and quiet?”

“If you weren’t looking to talk to other people, you wouldn’t have come up on deck where everyone’s socializing and getting to know one another.”

“Maybe I just wanted a breath of fresh air?”

“Or maybe you’re just looking for the right conversation.” I lean on the railing next to her, giving her the space she seems to need, yet keeping the door open for more banter.

“Perhaps you’re not offering the depth of conversation I need.” She’s silent for a long moment, her eyes searching mine as if trying to uncover some hidden motive.

“How deep do you want it?” I meet her gaze openly, letting her see the genuine interest and curiosity there. Eager to see what she does with my response.

“Maybe I’m happy to enjoy the view from the deck alone?” She counters quickly, her gaze sharp and challenging.

“Ah, so it’s a challenge?” I can’t help but smile at her wit, intrigued by the spark in her eyes. “Well, I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge. Especially when it’s as intriguing as you.”

“What if I’m a challenge you can’t win?”

“That’s the thing about challenges.” I keep my voice low. If I push too hard, she’ll run, and I get the feeling this woman wouldn’t appreciate being chased.

“What do you mean?” She doesn’t pull away, but her guard is up.

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